Hopefully that connection will feel stronger, being around other young very promising AWs players like Stamenic. Plus up & close to a long time EPL player in Wood. He's never been part of the NZ football system ever, so it will currently all be an unknown to him. Hopefully he comes away from the October camp wanting to be amongst this promising young squad long term, with a look towards the Olympics & 2026.
It's only 1 window (well 2 if you include presumably the Nov one as well), 2.5 years out from the WC. So if he later decides he'd rather try Brazil, Portugal or England, no great loss. Plus this Oct window the AWs could be without both an injured Thomas & Garbett. Lewis & Rufer questionable with ALM starting only a few days later. So they may need an extra midfielder.
A pleased Matt told fulhamfc.com: "It’s a great opportunity for me to play against senior level players and it can help give me a platform to perform against First Team opponents.